{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F8e3c4e7b-d193-40de-88e7-9875fd2b441c","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Surrender to Joy: How a Course in Miracles Healed Suicidal Despair \u2014 Susan Michel","description":"In this episode of Divine Decode, Susan Michel\u2014 author of Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity and long-time student/teacher of A Course in Miracles \u2014 shares her path from spiritual crisis and suicidal despair to steady inner peace. Susan explains how the Course reframes the problem of suffering (the ego as fear) and teaches practical steps: recognizing innate innocence, releasing blocks to love, and \u201cplugging into the God socket\u201d each morning. Listeners will take away a clear, practiceable approach to forgiveness, daily spiritual attunement, and moving from external seeking to internal surrender. This conversation is for anyone navigating grief, addiction, spiritual doubt, or burnout and who wants concrete spiritual tools for reclaiming joy.\nAbout the Guest:\nSusan Michel is the author of Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity, founder of Trust: Transformational Truth, and a devoted teacher and practitioner of A Course in Miracles. For over three decades she has guided people from pain to peace through forgiveness, spiritual practice, and compassion.\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nA Course in Miracles reframes suffering: the ego is fear; love is the only true reality.\n\n\n\u201cNothing real can be threatened; nothing unreal exists\u201d \u2014 a daily anchor to reduce reactivity.\n\n\nJoy is not earned or chased; it\u2019s surrendered to and remembered from within.\n\n\nSpiritual practice begins by recognizing innocence and releasing blocks (fear, judgment).\n\n\nDaily ritual: \u201cplug into the God socket\u201d \u2014 start the day by connecting inwardly before seeking external fixes.\n\n\nMiracles are defined practically as actions/thoughts that arise from love, not force or persuasion.\n\n\nThe world\u2019s offers (money, status, relationships, products) can\u2019t complete inner longing; they can\u2019t substitute spiritual connection.\n\n\nLife\u2019s storms are catalysts for humility and deeper surrender \u2014 pain can be a door to transformation.\n\n\nForgiveness is a central tool: identify blocks, call on the Holy Spirit/guidance, and release resentments.\n\n\nRecovery from suicidal despair is possible through consistent inner practice, community, and reframing identity as inherently loved.\n\n\nPractical outcome: shift motivation from seeking safety in externals to sharing inner fullness with others.\n\n\nAccessible for beginners: the Course offers a clear, practiceable path rather than abstract theology.\n\n\nHow listeners can connect with Susan\u00a0\u00a0:\n\n\nWebsite: www.surrendertojoy.net\n\n\nBook: Surrender to Joy: From Suicide to Serenity \u2014 available on Amazon (search by Susan Michel).\n\n\nInstagram\n\n\nIf you\u2019re in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or your regional suicide prevention helpline.\nHere are reliable, widely used crisis lines by region:\nUnited States\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0\n\n988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline \u2014 call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7). SAMHSA+1\nCrisis Text Line \u2014 text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Crisis Text Line\nLGBTQ+ (The Trevor Project, youth) \u2014 call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 (24/7). The Trevor Project+1\nTrans Lifeline \u2014 US (877) 565-8860 (hours vary; peer support). translifeline.org+1\n\nCanada\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0\n\n9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline \u2014 call or text 9-8-8 (24/7). 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline+1\nCrisis Text Line (via Kids Help Phone) \u2014 text 686868 (24/7). Crisis Text Line\nTrans Lifeline \u2014 Canada (877) 330-6366 (hours vary). translifeline.org\n\nUnited Kingdom & Ireland:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\nSamaritans (UK & ROI) \u2014 call 116 123 (free, 24/7). Samaritans+1\nShout (UK) \u2013 Crisis Text Line affiliate \u2014 text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7). Shout 85258+1\n50808 / \u201cText About It\u201d (Ireland) \u2014 text HELLO/TALK to 50808 (24/7). Text About It+1\n\nAustralia\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0\n\nLifeline \u2014 call 13 11 14 (24/7) or chat online. Lifeline\n\nNew Zealand\u00a0\u00a0:\u00a0\u00a0\n\n1737 \u201cNeed to talk?\u201d \u2014 call or text 1737 (24/7).\n\n\u00a0\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\n\u00a0\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/2b7fa239-2704-4634-a3fe-00a665409caa/mzvmoc5wbmc.jpg"}